The classic route starts at Circular Quay: the Opera House, the Royal Botanic Garden and The Rocks are all within a short walk. Give the harbour, the beaches and Taronga separate days, and travel between them by ferry whenever you can.
1 Sydney Opera House
Designed by Jørn Utzon and opened in 1973, the Opera House is one of the most recognisable buildings of the twentieth century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk right around it on the promenade, take a tour inside or, better still, see a performance.
Practical: Free to walk around outside. Tours and performances are ticketed. Allow 1–2 hours.
2 Sydney Harbour Bridge
Opened in 1932 and nicknamed the Coathanger, the steel arch bridge carries road, rail and a footpath. Walk across the eastern footway for free, climb the Pylon Lookout, or book the full climb to the top of the arch.
Practical: The footway is free. Access from The Rocks via stairs near Cumberland Street.
3 The Rocks
The site of the first European settlement is now a district of restored sandstone buildings, narrow lanes, old pubs and galleries. The Rocks Markets run at weekends, and the Museum of Contemporary Art faces the Quay.
Practical: Free to wander. Markets usually on Saturdays and Sundays.
4 Royal Botanic Garden
Australia’s oldest scientific institution, founded in 1816, spreads around Farm Cove between the Opera House and the city. Follow the shore path to Mrs Macquarie’s Chair for the classic view of the Opera House with the bridge behind.
Practical: Free entry. Open daily; closing times change with the season.
5 Bondi Beach
Sydney’s most famous beach is a broad curve of sand with surf, a busy promenade and the Icebergs ocean pool at its southern end. Come early in summer, and always swim between the flags.
Practical: Free. Buses from Bondi Junction station, about 15 minutes.
6 Bondi to Coogee Coastal Walk
A walk of about 6 km along sandstone cliffs, past Tamarama, Bronte and Clovelly, with rock pools and ocean baths on the way. In late spring look out for the Sculpture by the Sea exhibition at Bondi.
Practical: Free. Allow 2–3 hours. Little shade: bring water and sunscreen.
7 Manly
The ferry from Circular Quay to Manly takes about 30 minutes and passes the Opera House and the harbour heads. Manly has an ocean beach, a calm harbour beach and the short walk to Shelly Beach.
Practical: Ferries run frequently and take Opal or contactless cards.
8 Taronga Zoo
On the north shore of the harbour, Taronga has koalas, kangaroos, platypus and many other animals, with sweeping views of the city. Arrive by ferry and take the cable car up to the top entrance.
Practical: Ticketed. Allow 4–5 hours. Ferry from Circular Quay, about 12 minutes.
9 Darling Harbour
A waterfront precinct of restaurants, the Australian National Maritime Museum, SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium and WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo. It is livelier at night, and the Chinese Garden of Friendship is a quiet corner nearby.
Practical: Free to wander. Attractions ticketed separately; combination passes exist.
10 Queen Victoria Building
A grand Romanesque Revival arcade completed in 1898, filling a whole city block with shops under a glass roof and domes. Worth a look even if you do not want to shop.
Practical: Free. Near Town Hall station.
